A member of the Canadian swimming team who won a silver and bronze in the Tokyo Olympics last year has chosen to don the Philippine tricolors, a welcome development in the country’s bid in the Paris Olympic Games in 2024.
Kayla Sanchez, 21, who was born in Singapore and raised in Canada by Filipino parents, arrived last Wednesday to switch allegiances, much like what chess wizard Wesley So and golfer Yuka Saso did in the past when they opted to play for the United States and Japan, respectively.
The 5-foot-5 Sanchez was introduced yesterday by Philippine Swimming Inc. President Lani Velasco and POC deputy secretary-general Bones Floro. She won a silver and a bronze as a member of the Canadian 4x100m freestyle and 4x100m medley teams in Tokyo.
“It was a matter of timing and a question of timing and now is a good time to bring what I do and what I love here in the Philippines,” Sanchez said in a press conference at the PhilSports Complex in Pasig.
“I think it’s a bigger picture and a bigger meaning of using what I do and what I love to inspire Filipinos like me to commit to sports and show what they are capable of swimming and being competitive. I’m very humbled to be part of it and I’m proud of my heritage and I’m so excited with this new journey,” added Sanchez, whose father, Noel, is from Mabalacat, Pampanga, and mother, Susan, from Baguio.
Velasco said Sanchez is setting her sights on competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“The Philippine Swimming, Inc. welcomes Sanchez with open arms and is committed to helping her achieve her goals in the next few years, including a possible stint at the Paris Olympics in 2024,” Velasco said.
A world junior record holder in 50-meter freestyle, Sanchez has to serve the minimum 12-month residency and get the approval of the International Swimming Federation or FINA for her to officially suit up for the Philippines.
Representing Canada since 2016, the charming lass bagged two silver and two bronze medals in the 19th FINA World Championships in Budapest, Hungary and three mints in the 15th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) in Abu Dhabi.
